When I had my first one done, they told me to pregame with 800mg Ibuprofen. Which helped exactly as much as you would expect for a procedure that may have to manually dilate the cervix.

When I got the replacement, I demanded something stronger under the promise that I would have another person drive me to and from the appointment. They gave me xanax, which, while def not a pain reliever, did actually help in that I cannot remember the insertion process of IUD #2. I do still remember the painfulness associated with IUD #1. So the Xanax did something at least.

While these new guidelines are encouraging, I would also like to encourage all women to actively advocate for themselves and their own medical treatment. I was able to get better relief just by asking/insisting. You really have nothing to lose if you try; all they can do is tell you no.

My (now ex-) girlfriend wanted to get one back in 2012 and she was so scared she had me accompany her into the room and watch while the male OBGYN installed it. Needless to say it was a very rudimentary procedure, and I was surprised no anesthesia was used.

Also, I routinely felt it with the head of my penis during intercourse, and I don’t even have an especially large member. Although they are probably the best long-term contraceptive atm, there are definitely serious drawbacks to them that haven’t previously gotten widespread coverage.

Need to include things like cryocautery and LEEP procedures as well. Doctors are taught and somehow seem to actually believe that these are not painful. They can be very painful.

Just another part of the long history of the medical system ignoring women.